Jay Couillard

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Jay Rodney Couillard, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at his son’s (Doug and Debbie Couillard) home in Merrill, WI, surrounded by his family.

Jay was born in Moose Lake, MN on April 24, 1936 to Claude and Fern Couillard.
Jay proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 – 1957.

On February 25, 1992, Jay married Judith Ann “Judy” Thompson. They were blessed with many wonderful memories until her passing in 2009. He had worked at Brokaw Paper Mill until he retired in 2000. Jay and Judy retired to Monett where he worked for Wal-Mart for another fourteen years. He later volunteered for Hospice for another five years after the passing of his beloved wife Judy.

Jay enjoyed flying his ultra lite airplane for many years and especially liked to buzz the paper mill. He was also an avid Green Bay Packer and St. Louis Cardinal fan. He had the privilege of attending a game for both of his teams last year.

Jay is survived by eight sons, Greg Easter (Carol) of Wausau, WI, John Couillard of Missouri, Scott Couillard (Denise) of Barnum, MN, Rodney Couillard (Colleen) Merrill, WI, Bradley Couillard (Penny) of New London, WI, John Couillard (Erin) of Wausau, WI, Douglas Couillard (Deborah) of Merrill, WI and Andrew Scolley of Sarcoxie, MO; two daughters, Amy Krause and Lori Wendt (Kurt) of Merrill, WI; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Faye Hauck (Terry), Marian Valley and Claudette Watson (Dick), all of Minnesota.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Fern Couillard of Moose Lake, MN; his beloved wife, Judith Ann “Judy” Couillard of Monett, MO; and one great-grandson.

Funeral services for Mr. Couillard will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at New Site Baptist Church in Monett. Reverend Aaron Weibel will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Interment and military honors will be held at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monett. Memorial contributions have been requested to Jay’s beloved church, New Site Baptist Church, in care of the funeral home.


The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort and Hospice Care for their help and support as well as Taylor-Stine Funeral Home in Merrill, WI and Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett.